Did you know the hiring process often begins before the interview? Many employers check social media to get a better sense of who you are beyond your resume, and what they find can impact whether you move forward in the hiring process.
In fact, a recent
CareerBuilder survey found that 70% of employers use social media to research candidates, and 57% uncovered red flags that cost someone the job, such as:
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Discriminatory remarks (gender, religion, race, etc.)
Discriminatory remarks (gender, religion, race, etc.)
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Inappropriate images and videos
Inappropriate images and videos
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Posts that criticize former peers or employers
Posts that criticize former peers or employers
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False claims about skills or experience
False claims about skills or experience
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Signs of poor communication skills
Signs of poor communication skills
Before you click “apply,” take a moment to clean up your online presence. A few quick changes could make all the difference in landing your next role.
Make Your Accounts Private
Perhaps the easiest fix. Lock down your personal accounts by adjusting your privacy settings so only trusted family and friends can see your activity. This acts as your first line of defense and can prevent hiring managers from coming across problematic posts.
Deactivate Old Accounts
Like a cringey, forgotten YouTube account, some things are best left in the past. If you’d rather not revisit your teenage self, you probably don’t want hiring managers stumbling upon a blast from the past, either. Think you’re in the clear? Google yourself! What’s still out there might surprise you.
Refresh Your Online Presence
Make sure your online presence reflects the professional you are today. Take a moment to scroll through your social media and remove anything that no longer aligns with your values — whether it’s outdated opinions, impulsive posts, or old tags from friends. Old content can resurface at the worst time, so don’t let previous mistakes cost you a future opportunity.
Curate Your Feed
You are who you follow (or however the saying goes). The people and companies you follow say a lot about your priorities. By following industry leaders and organizations on your professional accounts, you’ll shape a positive image that shows hiring managers your interests and how you stay informed.
Avoiding social media won’t keep you out of trouble – it might just keep you out of the running. According to CareerBuilder, 47% of employers claim they won’t contact a candidate for an interview if they can’t find an online presence. But there’s no need to embrace your inner influencer on every platform.
LinkedIn is a great place to start!
Remember, your feed is your reflection. Taking control of your online presence shows you’re not only mindful of your personal brand but also serious about your professional reputation.
Once your online presence is interview-ready, take the next step by exploring career opportunities at Reynolds.